FORMULATION OF RESEARCH
PROBLEM
Definition
■ According to Kerlinger, ‘A problem is an
interrogative sentence or statement that asks
what relation exists between two or more variable.
The answer to question will provide what is having
sought in the research.
■ R.S. Woodworth defines problem as ‘a situation for
which we have no ready & successful response by
instinct or by previous acquired habit. We must find
out what to do’, i.e. the solution can be found out
only after an investigation.
■ In other words, ‘a research problem is an area of
concern where there is a gap in the knowledge
base needed for professional practices.
WHAT IS PROBLEM
FORMULATION
PROBLEM PROBLEM PROBLEM
IDENTIFICATIO SELECTION DEFINITION
N
CRITERIA FOR PROBLEM
SELECTION
PROBLEM
Formulation of a research problem is a complex
process. It includes the following steps.
1. SELECTION OF A RESEARCH AREA.
2. REVIEWING LITERATURE &
THEORIES.
3. DELIMITING THE RESEARCH
TOPIC.
4. EVALUATING THE RESEARCH
PROBLEM.
[Link] THE FINAL STATEMENT OF
RESEARCH PROBLEM.
SELECTION OF RESEARCH
TOPIC
ROL / THEORIES
DELIMITING THE
RESEASRCH TOPIC
EVALUATING THE RESEARCH
PROBLEM
FORMULATING THE FINAL
STATEMENT
SELECTING A RESEARCH
AREA
• Formulation of a research
problem begins with selection of
a broad research topic from
personal experience, literature,
previous research & theories.
REVIEWING / THEORIES
• After obtaining a broad idea for
research, the researcher needs
to review the nursing literature
and theories.
• Literature is reviewed to know
what has already been done in
this selected area of research.
• Therefore, a researcher can plan
a research topic to further
expand the existing body of
knowledge.
• Reviewing the theories
provides an opportunity for the
researcher to plan a research
problem to contribute towards
either testing or development of
a theory conceptual model.
DELIMITING THE RESEARCH
TOPIC
• Here the researcher proceeds
from a general research area of
interest to more specific topic of
research while conducting the
study.
EVALUATING THE RESEARCH
PROBLEM
• Once the researcher is clear
about the research problem, the
research problem must be
carefully evaluated for its
significance, researchability and
feasibility.
• Feasibility -refers to feasibility in
terms of time, cost availability of
subjects, resources,
administrative & peer
support, ethical consideration,
researcher’s competence of the
researcher and interest.
• The research problem may be
evaluated using guidelines
for evaluation.
GUIDELINES FOR
EVALUATING
RESEARCH PROBLEM
SUBSTANTIATIVE ISSUES
• 1. Does the problem have
significance to the profession.
• 2. Does the problem spell out
the purpose of conducting the
study.
• 3. Does the problem have any
relationship with existing
theories & models.
• 4. Does the problem flow from
prior scientific information /
experience in topic area.
METHODOLOGICAL
ISSUES
• Does the problem statement
clearly identify the research
variables in measurable terms.
• 2. Does the problem identify the
nature of population which is to be
studied.
• 3. Does the problem clearly
define about type or design of
study.
• 4. Does the problem describe the
research setting, place and time.
• 5. Does the problem comprise
appropriate phrases.
STYLISTIC ISSUES
• [Link] the problem statement
complete, concise, clear in
declarative form clearly suggesting
answers to be questioned.
• 2. Was the problem statement
introduced promptly.
ETHICAL ISSUES
• 1. Does the research problem
require the use of human
subject.
• 2. Does the problem imply
potential risks for those subjects.
PRACTICAL ISSUES
• Has the researcher appropriately
delimited the scope of the
problem, or is the problem too
big or complex for a single
investigation.
• 2. Is the researcher able to
manage man, money, material,
& appropriate permissions from
authorities.
FORMULATING FINAL
STATEMENT OF RESEARCH
PROBLEM
• Following the establishment of
of the significance,
researchability and feasibility
the researcher finally formulates
the final problem statement.
• A statement of problem could be
in declarative or interrogative
format.
DECLARATIVE FORMAT
• 1. A descriptive study on
prevalence of malaria among rural
residents in chennai.
• 2. An explorative study on
contributing factors of social
problems in selected communities
of Tamil Nadu.
INTERROGATIVE FORMAT
• In interrogative format the research problem
is stated in question form.
"What is the influence of mass media in
promoting the sales of a selected
commodities ?"
• The choice of either of the format depends on
the researcher’s preference and institutional
policies.
• However declarative format is much popular.
PREFERED CRITERIA ….
1. Clear, Precise, Concise.
2. States variables, population & research
setting.
3. Variables are expressed in measurable
terms.
4. The statement expresses the type of study.
EXAMPLE
• “ A descriptive study on the
Effect of Corona pandemic on
MSME in a selected rural area
(Name to be specified), Tamil
Nadu, India”.
• It is an example of declarative form
of statement.
1. RESEARCH STUDY TYPE :
Descriptive.
2. VARIABLE : Effect of
Corona Pandemic
3. POPULATION : MSME.
4. RESEARCH SETTING : Selected
rural area.
Of Business
RESEARCH
PROBLEM
There are numerous sources for
generating the appropriate
nursing research problem.
However, the following are
certain important sources which
could be helpful in selecting a
research topic.
1. Previous research
2. Personal Experience
3. Consumer feedback
4. Literature
5. Business Theories
6. Databases
7. Social issues
8. Intuition
9. Brainstorming Sessions
10. Folklores
[Link] with the
experts
12. Social issues
THANK YOU
